AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy: Sahrawi presidential adviser Oubi Bushraya Al-Bashir warned against turning Western Sahara into a geopolitical bargaining chip, insisting any settlement must uphold self-determination. The Polisario’s representative in Spain also met journalists to discuss the conflict’s political and media prospects. UN Process: Senegal renewed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at the UN, while Polisario representatives say the Sahrawi people will reject imposed “half-solutions.” Recent UN discussions have increasingly focused on autonomy and possible transitional arrangements. Prisoners: Nine Gdeim Izik prisoners remain on hunger strike in Moroccan jails; Ivry-sur-Seine’s council backed calls for their release and renewed support for Sahrawi self-determination. Rights groups have urged urgent protection for the detainees. Political Outreach: The Polisario took part in an international seminar in Mexico, while a forum in the Canary Islands showcased Sahrawi culture and the independence movement’s history.

Prisoners: Ivry-sur-Seine’s municipal council renewed its support for nine Sahrawi prisoners on hunger strike in Moroccan jails and called for their release. The prisoners include Naâma Asfari, the city’s honorary citizen. Diplomacy: The Polisario Front took part in a political seminar in Mexico, where its representatives highlighted Sahrawi self-determination and the prisoners’ condition. UN Positions: Senegal again backed Morocco’s autonomy plan at the UN, calling it a credible route to a settlement. Polisario representatives, meanwhile, reaffirmed the Sahrawi people’s right to independence and criticized attempts to interrupt pro-Sahrawi speakers at UN hearings. Talks: A rival Sahrawi group, Sahrawis for Peace, urged UN envoy Staffan de Mistura to include more Sahrawi voices in the political process as discussions enter a new phase.

UN Diplomacy: At Fourth Committee hearings in New York, Polisario representative Sidi Mohamed Omar accused Morocco’s delegation of disrupting pro-Sahrawi speakers. Algeria’s foreign minister reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination, while Polisario said it would reject any settlement that undermines that right. Speakers also raised allegations of child recruitment and extremist links in the Tindouf camps. Prisoners: Nine Gdeim Izik prisoners have been on hunger strike in Moroccan jails since September 23. President Brahim Ghali urged UN chief António Guterres to intervene, while rights groups called for medical care, family access and international monitoring. UN Process: Sahrawis for Peace urged envoy Staffan de Mistura to include more Sahrawi voices in negotiations as the Security Council considers MINURSO’s future; its mandate expires October 31.

UN Debate: Polisario representative Sidi Mohamed Omar accused Morocco of trying to disrupt a pro-Sahrawi speaker at the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee. Algeria’s foreign minister again described Western Sahara as an unfinished decolonization issue and backed Sahrawi self-determination. Prisoners: Nine Gdeim Izik prisoners have been on hunger strike since Sept. 23. Brahim Ghali and European rights groups called for urgent action to protect their health and secure their release. UN Talks: Secretary-General António Guterres’ report describes renewed negotiations involving Morocco, Polisario, Algeria and Mauritania, with Morocco’s autonomy proposal at the center and a possible transitional council under discussion. Polisario says it rejects any settlement that curtails self-determination. Political Process: Ghali opened preparations for the Polisario Front’s 17th congress, while Sahrawis for Peace urged UN envoy Staffan de Mistura to include more Sahrawi groups in negotiations.

Prisoners: Two European rights groups urged urgent action to protect nine Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike in Moroccan jails since Sept. 23, citing deteriorating health and calling for medical care, family contact and international monitoring. Polisario leader Brahim Ghali also appealed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres to intervene. UN Talks: Guterres’s annual report describes renewed negotiations among Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria and Mauritania, with a transitional council among the options discussed and Morocco’s autonomy proposal serving as a basis for talks. The Security Council is reviewing MINURSO ahead of its Oct. 31 mandate deadline. Sahrawi Representation: The Polisario’s UN representative reiterated its rejection of “half-solutions” and its demand for self-determination; Sahrawis for Peace separately asked the UN envoy to broaden participation in the process. Polisario Congress: Brahim Ghali inaugurated preparations for the Front’s 17th congress, urging wider public debate on its next strategy. Regional Ties: Morocco and the UAE agreed to deepen military cooperation as Algeria’s diplomatic rupture with Abu Dhabi sharpens regional tensions.

Prisoners’ Rights: Human rights groups in Germany and Europe urged urgent protection for nine Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike since Sept. 23, citing declining health and calling for medical care, family contact and international monitoring. Polisario leader Brahim Ghali has also asked UN chief António Guterres to intervene. UN Process: At the General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, Polisario representative Sidi Mohamed Omar said Sahrawis would continue seeking independence by legitimate means. Ahead of the Security Council’s October review of MINURSO, Sahrawis for Peace called for broader participation in talks. Polisario Congress: Ghali opened preparations for the Front’s 17th congress, urging wide public engagement in shaping its next political strategy. Regional Ties: Morocco and the UAE agreed to expand military cooperation as Algeria’s diplomatic rupture with Abu Dhabi deepens regional tensions.

UN Talks: Ahead of the Security Council’s October 7–8 review of MINURSO, Secretary-General António Guterres’s report says 2026 negotiations explored a transitional council and used Morocco’s expanded autonomy proposal as a basis for discussion. The mission’s mandate expires October 31. Polisario Position: At the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, representative Sidi Mohamed Omar said the Polisario would defend Sahrawi rights and independence by legitimate means and reject “half-solutions.” Representation: Sahrawis for Peace has asked UN envoy Staffan de Mistura to include Sahrawi groups outside the established negotiating framework, arguing more voices should take part in talks. Prisoners: Brahim Ghali urged Guterres to intervene over nine Gdeim Izik prisoners on an open-ended hunger strike in Moroccan prisons, citing worsening health and demanding transfers closer to their families. Congress: Ghali inaugurated preparations for the Polisario’s 17th congress, calling for broad public participation in setting its next strategy. Rights: Amnesty International reported surveillance, arrests and harassment targeting Sahrawi activists, including alleged Pegasus spyware attacks.

Polisario Congress Prep: President Brahim Ghali presided over the inauguration of the Preparatory Committee for the 17th Polisario Front Congress, calling it a historic duty to enrich national debate and broaden participation. Prisoners Crisis: Ghali sent an urgent letter to UN chief António Guterres demanding immediate action over Sahrawi civilian political prisoners on hunger strike in Moroccan jails, warning of deteriorating health and renewed repression. UN Talks Shift: A new UN report says Western Sahara negotiations are moving toward transitional modalities, with a possible “Transition Council” discussed alongside Morocco’s autonomy plan under Resolution 2797. Autonomy Plan Push: Guterres reiterated that Resolution 2797 gives renewed momentum and urged parties to explore “genuine autonomy,” while multiple states reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy framework at the UN Fourth Committee. Human Rights Pressure: Amnesty documented continued surveillance, smear campaigns, arrests and Pegasus-linked targeting of Sahrawi activists and civil society, warning of a chilling effect on peaceful organizing. Regional Politics: Algeria reaffirmed it won’t reverse its break with the UAE and insisted the Sahrawi people decide their fate, while also claiming UN texts contradict Resolution 2797.

UN Western Sahara Track: UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ latest report says talks under Resolution 2797 have shifted toward transitional modalities, with Morocco’s autonomy plan as the negotiation basis and a possible “Transition Council” discussed in Washington and Madrid. Security Council Timing: The UN Security Council is set for closed meetings on Oct 7-8 on MINURSO’s future ahead of the Oct 31 mandate expiry, with briefings from Staffan de Mistura and MINURSO head Alexander Ivanko. Polisario Position: Polisario’s UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar reiterated a hard rejection of “half-solutions,” insisting any process must protect Sahrawi self-determination and independence. Morocco’s Outreach at Home: Morocco’s recent election results highlighted political engagement in the southern provinces, with turnout figures in Laayoune–Sakia El Hamra, Dakhla–Oued Eddahab and Guelmim–Oued Noun drawing attention to how voters in the Sahara are using Moroccan institutions. Human Rights Pressure: Amnesty International published new findings alleging Morocco’s long-running surveillance and Pegasus-linked targeting of Sahrawi activists and civil society, alongside arrests, restrictions and smear campaigns. Regional Diplomacy: Algeria’s Tebboune renewed claims that Algeria won’t reverse its break with the UAE and repeated that the Sahrawi people decide their future, while UN-backed autonomy remains the core dispute framework.

UN Western Sahara Talks: UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ latest report says the process has moved from principles to practical “transitional modalities,” with a possible Transition Council discussed in 2026 and Morocco’s autonomy plan treated as the negotiation basis under Resolution 2797. Polisario Position: Polisario’s UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar reiterated an absolute rejection of “half-solutions” and said the Sahrawi side will only engage on measures that protect self-determination. Security Council Timeline: The UN Security Council is set for closed meetings Oct 7-8 ahead of MINURSO’s Oct 31 mandate expiry, with briefings from Staffan de Mistura and MINURSO head Alexander Ivanko. Human Rights Pressure: Amnesty International renewed allegations of a Moroccan surveillance and spyware system targeting Sahrawi activists, alongside reports of arrests, restrictions, smear campaigns, and judicial harassment. Regional Diplomacy: Algeria’s Tebboune again stressed Algeria won’t reverse its UAE rupture and repeated that the final Western Sahara decision rests with the Sahrawi people; meanwhile, multiple UN Fourth Committee debates showed continued international support for self-determination.

UN Sahara Talks Enter New Phase: UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ report says Staffan de Mistura, with US coordination, restarted direct contacts between Morocco and the Polisario after nearly seven years, including Morocco’s expanded autonomy proposal and discussions on a possible “Transition Council.” UN Security Council Countdown: Greece will chair closed UNSC meetings on Western Sahara on Oct 7-8 ahead of the Oct 31 MINURSO mandate expiry, with briefings from MINURSO head Alexander Ivanko and de Mistura. Diplomacy Pressure from Washington: US envoy Mike Waltz met a Polisario delegation in New York, warning refugees in Tindouf have waited 50 years and urging real choices, while pointing to the “basis for a solution” being on the table. Sahrawi Rights Under Scrutiny: Amnesty reports Morocco’s long-running surveillance and Pegasus-linked targeting of Sahrawi activists and civil society, while multiple UN Human Rights Council interventions call for independent monitoring, an end to discrimination, and release of political prisoners. Prisoner Crisis Escalates: Sahrawi groups report reprisals and punitive measures against Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike, including transfers and restricted family contact. International Support for Autonomy Plan Grows: UN Fourth Committee debates saw renewed backing for Morocco’s autonomy initiative from countries including Chile, Ecuador, and the GCC, alongside continued calls for self-determination from Sahrawi advocates.

UN Western Sahara Track: The UN Secretary-General’s report says Staffan de Mistura, with US support, restarted direct Morocco–Polisario contacts in 2026 after a near seven-year gap, with talks in Washington and Madrid shifting toward detailed mechanisms like a possible “Transition Council.” UN Security Council Timing: The Council will hold closed MINURSO-related meetings on Oct 7-8 ahead of the Oct 31 mandate expiry, with briefings from MINURSO chief Alexander Ivanko and de Mistura. UNGA Fourth Committee Support: Multiple states backed Sahrawi self-determination and UN decolonization work during the Fourth Committee debate, while others reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy framework. Algeria’s Position: President Tebboune again stressed Algeria’s backing for Sahrawi self-determination and said the issue’s final decision rests with Sahrawis, while also drawing major international media attention to his regional remarks. Human Rights Pressure: Amnesty reports continued Moroccan surveillance and arrests of Sahrawi activists, including Pegasus-linked targeting, and warns of smear campaigns and judicial harassment; separate reports highlight escalating reprisals and punitive measures against Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike. Diplomacy Signals: US envoy Mike Waltz met Polisario in New York, urging “real choices” and saying the basis for a solution is “on the table,” as negotiations are set to be reviewed again.

Surveillance & Rights in Western Sahara: Amnesty International says Morocco’s authorities have carried out a long-running crackdown on Sahrawi activists, including arrests, dispersal of peaceful protests, and restrictions on families, while linking Pegasus spyware and broader digital surveillance to targeting Sahrawi and other civil society figures, alongside smear campaigns and judicial harassment. Prisoners’ Hunger Strike: Sahrawi groups report escalating reprisals against Gdeim Izik detainees, including punitive transfers, family contact limits, and worsening health during an open-ended hunger strike. UN Security Council Timing: The UN Security Council will hold closed meetings on Western Sahara on Oct 7-8 ahead of MINURSO’s Oct 31 mandate expiry, with Resolution 2797 keeping Morocco’s autonomy plan central. Diplomacy & Self-Determination: Sahrawi representatives and rights defenders urged the UN Human Rights Council to ensure independent monitoring, end discrimination, and protect the right to self-determination, while the Polisario says a free referendum remains the only path. International Backing for Autonomy: Chile, Ecuador, and GCC states reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at UN forums, adding to the growing chorus ahead of renewed Council deliberations. Morocco Domestic Politics: PAM’s Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri was empowered to lead coalition talks after Morocco’s election, as her government formation moves forward.

Surveillance & Rights: Amnesty International says Morocco’s security services used Pegasus and a wider surveillance system to target Sahrawi activists and civil society, combining digital spying with smear campaigns, judicial harassment, and arrests in occupied cities like El Aaiun. Prisoners’ Hunger Strike: Sahrawi groups report escalating reprisals against Gdeim Izik prisoners after their September 23 hunger strike, including punitive transfers, restricted family contact, and deteriorating health. UN Security Council Track: The UNSC will hold closed meetings on Western Sahara on Oct 7-8 ahead of MINURSO’s Oct 31 mandate expiry, with briefings from MINURSO head Alexander Ivanko and Staffan de Mistura. US Diplomacy: U.S. envoy Mike Waltz met Polisario in New York, telling it refugees have waited 50 years and that “the basis for a solution is on the table,” tied to UNSC Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy framework. International Positions at UN: Ecuador and the GCC reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at the UN Fourth Committee, while Sahrawi activists urged independent monitoring and an end to discrimination before the UN Human Rights Council. Domestic Politics in Morocco: PAM’s Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri was empowered to lead coalition talks after Morocco’s Sept 23 election, as analysts note party programs focus heavily on social promises over constitutional reform.

UN Diplomacy on Western Sahara: Ecuador and the GCC both reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan at the UN Fourth Committee, pointing to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and urging negotiations in good faith. Security Council Timeline: The UN Security Council is set for closed meetings on Western Sahara on Oct 7-8 ahead of MINURSO’s Oct 31 mandate expiry, with briefings from MINURSO chief Alexander Ivanko and Staffan de Mistura. Human Rights Pressure in Geneva: Sahrawi activists urged the UN Human Rights Council to end discrimination, ensure independent international monitoring, and implement the Durban Declaration and Geneva Conventions in occupied Western Sahara. Prisoners’ Hunger Strike: Rights groups and solidarity networks warned of worsening conditions for Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike, citing reprisals, restricted access, and calls for ICRC and UN access. Surveillance Allegations: Amnesty published a report alleging Morocco’s long-running spyware campaign targeting civil society, including Sahrawi activists, and called for an urgent moratorium on surveillance tech transfers. US Signals Shift: US envoy Mike Waltz told Polisario refugees have waited 50 years and said “the basis for a solution is on the table,” tying the message to Resolution 2797. International Solidarity: Greta Thunberg renewed calls for action on Western Sahara, condemning international “hypocrisy” and urging concrete support.

Israel-Morocco Diplomacy: On the Abraham Accords’ 6th anniversary, Israel and Morocco agreed with the U.S. to upgrade relations, including steps toward full diplomatic ties, despite fresh anti-normalisation protests in Morocco. Western Sahara Rights Under Pressure: Amnesty International published reports alleging a Moroccan spyware and surveillance system targeting Sahrawi activists and civil society, while Sahrawi human rights defenders urged the UN Human Rights Council to ensure independent monitoring and access to Western Sahara. Gdeim Izik Hunger Strike: Multiple groups warned of worsening conditions for nine Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike, citing reprisals and restricted access, as the Sahrawi Prisoners’ Protection Association reported escalating punitive measures. U.S. Signals Shift in Talks: U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met Polisario representatives in New York and said “the basis for a solution is on the table,” framing it around refugees in Tindouf and UN Security Council Resolution 2797. UN-Led Self-Determination Push: POLISARIO and allied voices reiterated that only a free, transparent referendum can deliver a just settlement, as Nordic and UN-focused events kept self-determination at the center. Morocco Domestic Politics: Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first female prime minister after PAM’s election win, as coalition talks begin. UK Stance on Sanctions: Britain rejected a sanctions push tied to Western Sahara, reaffirming support for a UN-led process and self-determination language.